In his talk “Testimony” Elder Dallin H Oaks explains what a testimony is and how to gain a testimony. He begins by stating that a testimony “Is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost” about specific gospel principles. He goes on to point out that a testimony is not a sermon or stories that you share from the pulpit.
Elder Oaks talks about the knowledge that makes up a testimony. He points out that a spiritual knowledge is different from a physical or scientific knowledge. We gain that spiritual knowledge through the Holy Ghost, as it bears witness to us. He also points out that each of us can gain that spiritual knowledge as we seek it.
Elder Oaks then addresses how we can gain a testimony. He points out that we first we need to want to know, and then we ask in prayer. He also speaks about doing something to gain a testimony, sometimes that means living the principle you are seeking to gain a testimony of and other times it means bearing your testimony of the item.
Elder Oaks points out that once we have gained a testimony, it is our duty to share it. We can share it both publicly and privately. It is important to stand up when others are saying false things about the church and bear testimony. We should also bear our testimonies to our children.
Elder Oaks closes his talk by explaining that obedience is not blind, that we can each gain a testimony of the counsel giving to us by our prophet, and then having that testimony we choose to follow the counsel. We need to be careful as we bear our testimonies to others so that we do not seem arrogant.
This is a wonderful talk. It points out ways that you can strengthen your testimony, and the times that you need to share it with others. It is important to realize that a testimony is something you need to continually build and strengthen. I hope you will take the time to read this talk.
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General Conference: “The Power of Personal Testimony”